April was a busy month for Sustainability at UMD. Many events with an eco-minded focus were a hit, including the Sustainability Fair, Bike to Class Fest, Respect Your Mother Earth, Sweep the Halls 2009, and the U Wide Sustainability Forum.  Students, faculty and staff learned about renewable energy research, energy conservation, alternative transportation, sustainability efforts at UMD, UWS, and Lake Superior College, and the value of our keeping our campus beautiful.  

The culminating event, Sustainability and U: Viewpoints from UMD, presented the long-term goals and a vision for the University of Minnesota system.   It was a watershed moment for U of MN campus sustainability efforts; the draft goals presented described a framework for how campuses will work towards sustainability.  Discussion topics that were raised by the audience included renewable energy planning, integration of sustainability into academics, incorporating sustainability into service learning and faculty and student research.   

Sustainability is not just something to think about for a day or a week in April, it is a continuous effort of everybody striving to add up to zero.   It is crucial to take what we learn and apply ideas to our individual work, school, or home lives.  Find the best routes to bike to school.  Take that extra effort to walk or pedal to class.  Turn off your computer at night.  Ride the bus.  Bring your own mug to the coffee shop.  Tote your own reusable bag to the book store.   Get involved.  Stay positive.  Our small, individual actions will add up!